Almost ten years before the first Radio King was born, the Slingerland Drum Company released its initial solid shell snare drums- the Professional and the Artist.

The Professional was an eight tube lug model and the Artist was its ten lug sister. The Professional may have been considered the plain Jane of the two, but its really a handsome drum. The Professional drums had no options available- hardware was nickel and the finish was either mahogany or walnut.

The Artist on the other hand, could be painted or pearl covered and could have the elusive Tone Flange (more on that in a moment), in addition to having either nickel, chrome or Artgold hardware.

Artgold was Slingerland's in house name for the plating process that created simulated gold. Brass was polished on all metal parts and a coating of gold lacquer was sprayed on them. Right after that process was done, the drum hardware looked great. But given time, oil from skin and any rubbing against the metal, would cause a gradual darkening and /or a "worn off" area. Artgold, like Leedy's Nobby gold and Ludwig & Ludwigs deluxe finish went out of favor in the late thirties for those reasons. On museum drums, such finishes are beautiful, but the practical working drummer chose nickel or chrome.

Slingerland had other solid shell drums in the late 20's to mid 30's including the early Universal, the Broadcaster and the DuAll, but we'll save those stories for future installments.

The Tone Flange was a metal ring that sat on top of the shell under the head. Actually, it was the bearing edge for the batter side. The wooden edge was flattened and brass screws lined the circumference. On top of the screws sat the metal flesh hoop and then the Tone Flange.

The flange also acted as a resonator. Remember at that time, Slingerland was also a banjo manufacturer. The first flanges were simple beveled metal rings and I have seen a later one that reminds me of an old style hubcap with decorative holes to enhance sound. The idea works today on high tension marching drums to reinforce the wood shells that can cave in from high tensioning. Back in the late 20's and 30's though, it was a fad and didn't stay around. The last advertisement I can find is from 1938.

I think the craftsmanship in the pre-Radio King days was wonderful. The tube lugs and other metal parts were very good. The single flanged hoops were outstanding. Because of the Tone Flange on the 10 lug models, you can see a higher collar hoop than those of the competition. It's only when the great demand of the Radio Kings starts, that we see a lessening in quality. Demand can do that.

The six lug solids out there won't bring the value of the Professional and the Artist. The 8 lug Professional in excellent shape should be an $800 to $1000 drum. The 10 lug Artist with the Tone Flange should approach $1500 to $2000. Remember the flange was an option so a drum built without it should bring about 75% - 80% of the value of one with the flange. Beware of buying a Tone Flange model without the flange because it's missing a crucial part. You'd have to find a flange (rare), make one (unfortunate), or play it as is (not my first choice).

Slingerland fanatics, be proud. These are great drums. No wonder Krupa went with them when his dad was shopping for a sponsor.
If you want to learn more about Slingerland, check out my book for Modern Drummer called The Great American Drums ! E-Mail us for information on autographed copies.